The Volunteer Cainan Phillips carries the flag during pre-game activities before the game against East Tennessee State Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

The Tennessee Walking Horse and it's rider prepare to ride on the field before the homecoming game between Tennessee and Charlotte outside of Neyland Stadium Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel NFS

Smokey watches the game action from the sidelines during a game between Tennessee and ETSU at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, September 8, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel, Knoxville News Sentinel

Tennessee mascot Smokey during the Tennessee Volunteers' game against West Virginia in the Belk College Kickoff at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

The Volunteer runs off the field with the Tennessee flag during a game between Tennessee and Florida at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, September 22, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel NFS

Smokey, the Tennessee mascot, stands with Mercedes Russell while holding up a cardboard cutout of her after Tennessee's win against South Carolina on Sunday, February 25, 2018. Saul Young/News Sentinel

Tennessee's Smokey is dealing with the heat like many during pre-game activities before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Belk College Kickoff game in Charlotte, NC Saturday, September 1, 2018. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Smokey walks along the sideline during pre-game activities before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Belk College Kickoff game in Charlotte, NC Saturday, September 1, 2018. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

The Tennessee Walking Horse and it's rider prepare to ride on the field before the homecoming game between Tennessee and Charlotte outside of Neyland Stadium Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Smokey the mascot dances around with an inflatable gator during pregame activities before their game against Florida in Neyland Stadium Saturday, September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tenn. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Smokey watches the game from the sidelines during a game between Tennessee and South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina on Saturday, October 27, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel NFS

The Volunteer runs across the end zone with the Power T flag during the homecoming game between Tennessee and Charlotte outside of Neyland Stadium Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel NFS

Smokey leaves the field as security guards line the South Carolina student section during a game between Tennessee and South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. South Carolina defeated Tennessee 27-24. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel NFS

"It’s quite possible that Bevo was simply scared by the noise, lights, and chaos in the stadium and tried to flee from the confines of his makeshift pen. But that doesn’t change the fact that Uga or any of the humans standing nearby could easily have been trampled and killed," PETA wrote on a blog on its website.

PETA said it sent a letter to both universities decrying the practice, called on Texas and Gerogia to "learn from this dangerous incident" and retire their live animal mascots.

"(The live animal mascots are) frequently carted around to sporting events and public appearances, which are confusing and frightening for them," PETA said in the blog. "Human mascots can engage with sports fans, pose for pictures, lead cheers, and pump up their teams and fans much better than a terrified animal can. They’re also much less expensive for schools, and some universities offer scholarships for student mascots."

Smokey, a bluetick coonhound, has been just as synonymous with the University of Tennessee as checkerboards and Power T's since he was first introduced in September 1953. Since then, ten dogs have carried the legacy with few incidents.

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In a photo published April 25, 1971, Tennessee cheerleader Pat Green pretends to give a rabies shot to Smokey to publicize a County Health Department inoculation clinic for dogs and cats. The good sport wearing the Smokey suit is 12-year-old Chip Brake, son of UT photographer Al Brake. News Sentinel archives

Smokey poses with the Tennessee Volunteer cheerleaders for photos before the start of the Volunteers game against the Buffalo Bulls in Neyland Stadium Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011. Michael Patrick, Knoxville News Sentinel

Smokey I poses with University of Tennessee students dressed for a L'il Abner theme on Sept. 26, 1953, during halftime of the UT-Mississippi State game. Students pictured are from left Wes Pritchard, Diane Darning and Ruth Ann Barker. This was the game that students voted on a dog as the UT mascot. Courtesy UT PHotographic Services.

Smokey poses with an Outback Bowl mascot on stage during a pep rally following a New Year's Eve parade in Ybor City, the historic Latin district of Tampa, Fla. on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015. The parade featured both Tennessee and Northwestern's bands and local floats. Adam Lau, Knoxville News Sentinel

0303fans.2.CC --sports--Longtime Lady Vol fan Franicis Brett of Memphis cheers with the mascot Smokey on Saturday during a pep rally at High Point Pinch Bar and Grill in Memphis. Cathy Clarke, Knoxville News-Sentinel

Librarian Allison Sharp, is amused at receiving more than bottled water she paid for during a stop of the Coca Cola Happiness Tour at Hodges Library Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, at the University of Tennessee. UT mascot Smokey showed up for part of the promotion which involved a booth including a Coke machine being set up in the hallway of the second floor of the library. Michael Patrick, MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL

University of Tennessee mascot Smokey, Adam LaClir, and Carlos Juarez stand by after competing in a runway contest during the second annual "Hike the Hill in Heels" across UT's campus on Friday, April 1, 2016. UT's Center for Health Education and Wellness hosted the event to kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month, whose aim is to raise awareness of sexual assault and its effects on college campuses and the greater community. Adam Lau, ADAM LAU/NEWS SENTINEL

Trent Pyles, center, poses with Smokey as his mother, April, takes a photo during Fan Day prior to the Orange and White Game at Neyland Stadium Saturday, April 21, 2012. Adam Brimer, Knoxville News Sentinel

0403ncaa4.cc.jpg---sports---University of Tennessee mascot Smokey and the Pride of the Soouthland Band rev up the fans during the semifinal game of the Women's Final Four in Indianapolis. Michigan State advanced by beating the Lady Vols 68-64.
04/03/05 Cathy Clarke, News Sentinel

UT mascot "Smokey" poses for a photo with scholarship recipient Chad Smith of Bristol, TN. Football legend Peyton Manning presented Smith and three other students with the 19th annual Peyton Manning Scholarship in the Peyton Manning Locker Room on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville Monday, June 20, 2016. Amy Smotherman Burgess, NEWS SENT

University of Tennessee mascot, Smokey, cools off in front of the fan on the field during Tennessee's home-opening game against Freso State Saturday afternoon. 2003 Jeff Adkins, Knoxville News-Sentinel

Smokey was joined by the Pride of the Southland Pep Band and the UT cheerleaders to entertain fans during a pre-game rally Friday, Aug. 31, 2012 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta prior to the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Michael Patrick, Knoxville News Sentinel

Left to right, country music singer Kenny Chesney kisses UT football mascot "Smokey" with analysts Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit as they pick who they think will be the game winner as ESPN College GameDay tapes their show from Circle Park on the University of Tennessee campus on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. Chesney appeared on the show as the guest game picker of the week. Amy Smotherman Burgess, Knoxville News Sentinel

Earl Hudson, Smokey's owner, laughs as his dog lets out a big yawn while sitting next to him on the couch Friday evening before leaving for the fraternity house. All eight Smokeys have been in the the Hudson family for 50 years. Jeff Adkins, Knoxville News-Sentinel

"Smokey" the Volunteers mascot makes an appearance during the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's Ag Day at the Brehm Animal Science Building Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015. JESSICA TEZAK/NEWS SENTINEL

University of Tennessee mascot Smokey dances with the UT Cheerleaders at a 60th birthday party Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 hosted by UT Student Services and the Student Alumni Association on campus. MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL

University of Tennessee mascot Smokey tries to blow out his birthday candles by waving his paw during his 60th birthday party Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 on campus. Student Services along with the Student Alumni Association held the celebration. MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL

A Tennessee fan poses with Smokey Jr. mascot during the college football game against Kentucky at Neyland Stadium Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 in Knoxville, TN. UT won the game 50-16, bringing their record to 5-5. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENT

Contributed Photo
Members of the University of Tennessee cheer and dance teams came out to Morning Pointe of Powell and led a pep rally for residents, family and friends of the assisted living community. Smokey joined the cheerleaders as they amped up everyone for the week filled with lots of activities and excitement. Contributed Photo, 2015

Dr. Al Hazari, University of Tennessee chemistry lecturer and director of undergraduate laboratories, and Smokey performed chemistry demonstrations at UT during National Chemistry Week. The theme for this year was “The Sweet Side of Chemistry -- Candy.” Contributed Photo, 2014

From left, Samaritan Place residents Jerry Alberts, Terry Counterman and Samuella Jones pose with University of Tennessee mascot Smokey at the third annual Barefoot Benefit, a charity 5k race organized by University of Tennessee students at Lambert Acres Golf Club in Maryville. Five College of Business and Administration student organized the event, which raised money for Samaritan Place, a Catholic Charities of East Tennessee program that provides emergency shelter for low-income seniors who need housing. Submitted

Kelley Cain sits down with Smokey during the game against Stetson.
Tennessee defeats on Stetson, 99-34 in the first round game of the 2011 NCAA tournament at Thompson-Boling Arena on Saturday, March 19, 2011. Saul Young/News Sentinel

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METRO -- Smokey, the University of Tennessee mascot, cheers bicyclists as they enter World's Fair Park, Friday, which for some was the final stretch of a 450-mile ride across the state to raise awareness for the need for adoptive parents and pledge support from the state's Adoption Support and Preservation program.
10/13/2006 Clay Owen, News Sentinel

Smokey, the University of Tennessee mascot, poses for a photo at the start-of-the-semester picnic held for UT faculty and staff at McClung Plaza on UT's campus on Monday, August 20, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Tennessee Chancellor Jimmy Cheek and Tennessee athletics director Dave Hart, from left, stand on the field with mascot Smokey during the first half against South Carolina at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. ADAM LAU/NEWS SENTINEL

Junior Smokey, one of the University of Tennessee mascots, treats a young fan to his silly antics during the “I’m All Vol” Pep Rally and live broadcast sponsored by Channel 8-TV and West Towne Mall on Sept. 1. Submitted

UT mascot Smokey IX, being the blue tick coonhound that he is, has his nose to the ground as walks along the sideline prior to leading the team through the T Saturday at Neyland Stadium. 11/06/2004 Jeff Adkins, News Sentinel

Kenny Chesney kisses UT football mascot "Smokey" during an ESPN College GameDay show on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. Chesney appeared as the guest game picker of the week. Amy Smotherman Burgess, Knoxville News Sentinel

Smokey, the Tennessee mascot, stands with Mercedes Russell while holding up a cardboard cutout of her after Tennessee's win against South Carolina on Sunday, February 25, 2018. Saul Young/News Sentinel

Former Tennessee players Wilbert Jones, left, a defensive back who lettered in 1978-80, and Lester McClain, a wingback who lettered from 1968-70, share a laugh with a UT mascot on Saturday at Neyland Stadium. The two are attending UT's first annual Letterman's Reunion being held this weekend. Cathy Clarke, News Sentinel

Tennessee fans, left to right, Karlie Herdson, Luke Weaver, Hannah Emery and Reece Emery pet Smokey IX, the team's mascot, during the Outback Bowl Beach Day on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, in Clearwater, Fla. Tennessee takes on Penn State in the Outback Bowl college football game on New Year's Day. Mike Carlson, AP

Smokey dances down the street during the Vol Walk before the football game against Southern Mississippi on Saturday at Neyland Stadium. The Vols won 39-19, improving their season record to 1-1. Chad Greene, Knoxville News Sentinel

Jamie Meadows, owner of Knoxville-based Character Impressions LLC, was the University of Tennessee's Smokey mascot from 1999 to 2002. Meadows has opened a business to market the use of mascots to businesses and has been inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. Jamie Meadows

Majorette Karyn Lee says hello to Smokey in the cheerleader's locker room in Neyland Stadium before game time Saturday morning. He goes to the locker room before the game and at half time to get some privacy. Knoxville News-Sentinel

Smokey.JA.jpg -- project-- Securely held by senior dog trainer Scott DeLozier, Smokey howls at the players as the game action between UT and Mississippi State players gets close to the sideline Saturday afternoon. Knoxville News-Sentinel

Smokey IX, Tennessee's bluetick coonhound mascot, runs through the end zone before a college football game on Sept. 23, 2006, in Knoxville, Tenn. Smokey has been accused of biting an Alabama player before their game on Oct. 21. MARK HUMPHREY, AP

Jamie Meadows, owner of Knoxville-based Character Impressions LLC, was the University of Tennessee's Smokey mascot from 1999 to 2002. Meadows has opened a business to market the use of mascots to businesses and has been inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. Jamie Meadows

UT student Jimmy Delaney, left, waits for his gun to re-charge to launch another logo t-shirt into the crowd gathered to hear UT President John Petersen addressed all campuses via videolink from Thompson-Boling Arena Tuesday morning. Delaney along with Smokey were on hand to get the crowd of UT employees excited before the announcement of a new marketing and branding initiative. MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL ST

Smokey campaigns for the Capital One Mascot of the Year title during the Kentucky game Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
Photo by Michael Patrick/News Sentinel staff
Michael Patrick, MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL

Smokey the mascot dances around with an inflatable gator during pregame activities before their game against Florida in Neyland Stadium Saturday, September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tenn. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

In 2006, Smokey IX nipped an Alabama player during pregame warm-ups. The Tide faithful claimed the dog bit the receiver after he fell on him while running out of bounds for a pass. UT said the dog just got a bite of uniform, not skin.